Stephen Smith "Smitty" Unthank

Stephen Smith "Smitty" Unthank Stephen Smith "Smitty" Unthank, 87, of Manassas, passed away Wednesday, July 25th, 2012 at the Birmingham Green Nursing Home in Manassas. Born December 18th, 1924 in Jonesville, Virginia, he was the son of John Milton and Jessie Kate Unthank. In 1946, in Middlesboro, Kentucky, he married the former Joy Marie Owens, who survives. Smith, or as many knew him, "Smitty," was born and raised on a tobacco farm nestled in the hills of Southwestern Virginia. As a young man, he enlisted in the Army and served honorably during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Upon returning from the War, he energetically courted and married Joy, began raising a family and eventually moved to the sleepy little town of Manassas where he resided for almost 60 years. Upon settling in Northern Virginia, he quickly traded his tobacco farming skills for a successful career driving eighteen wheeler trucks that lasted well over 30 years. In his spare time Smitty enjoyed fishing, but his real passion was his family. He loved all his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, particularly when they were young enough to bounce on his knee or old enough to take fishing with him. He was very active in his church and served as a deacon while attending the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Manassas Park. Smitty was known and respected for his strong work ethic and friendly "down home" personality. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, a tower of strength and role model to his family, a loyal friend and neighbor.

Mr. Unthank was preceded in death by one daughter, Mary Kate, one brother, John M. Unthank, Jr., and one sister, Elizabeth Hudson. Surviving siblings include sisters Anne Hopkins of Manassas, Billie Smith of Williamsburg, Shirley Smith of Amelia, Marietta Therrell of Richmond, Amelia Hopper and brother Ewell V. Unthank of Falls Church. Also surviving besides his beloved wife of 66 years are son Stephen E. Unthank and his wife Linda of Manassas; daughter Carol M. Krzebetkowski and her husband Ed of Waxhaw, NC; son Gary W. Unthank and his wife Debra of Clifton; daughter Sharon L. Canterbury of Appomattox; and son Teddy A. Unthank and wife Darlene of Manassas. In addition, his legacy includes 17 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, plus a multitude of nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 30th, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA 20110. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mark's United Methodist Church, 7803 Well Street, Manassas, VA 20111, with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. Interment will take place on Monday, August 6th, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may take the form of a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. For online donations, go to www.alzfdn.org. Also, donations can be made by check and mailed to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, under the direction of Michael Ward.

Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com.



This obituary was originally published in the News & Messenger (Woodbridge, VA).